Caledonian Sleeper discussion

[TimboM]

Apparently there's word Euston is partially reopening-do we know whether they'll send the lowland in or still too early to call?

On Twitter 20 mins ago CS said "all we can say is it is intended to run" - I guess it's a live situation and they'll just have to make a call at some point. My money's on Watford.

 

[toml]

The highland sleeper stock (5S25) has left Webley sidings and is underway towards Watford Junction (~22:25).

 

[GW43125]

Highland Sleeper ECS (5S25) has just left the north end of Wembley depot and crossed to the DF.

 

[TimboM]

Any idea on departure time ? I'm waiting at Crewe to join it ...

Still doesn't appear to have left Watford.

When it does, it'll be c.2h 10m from there to Crewe, assuming it gets a clear run and not caught up in whatever trains are all in the wrong places.

EDIT: Looks like it's just arrived at Watford Jnc. Will need sufficient time to load a full Euston's worth of passengers, staff etc. and give pax a chance to get up from Euston, so very much doubt it'll be away before 11, so a guesstimate for Crewe ETA would be c.1.15am - but that is only a guestimate so check local listings!

EDIT 2: Now left Watford and ETD from Crewe per RTT is 0115

 

[GW43125]

On Twitter 20 mins ago CS said "all we can say is it is intended to run" - I guess it's a live situation and they'll just have to make a call at some point. My money's on Watford.

VT are reporting it's partially open. I guess we shall see.

 

[GW43125]

And it's off! 91H late!

 

[Devonman2014]

Now we have to wonder what is happening to the lowland sleeper ....

 

[Domh245]

Now we have to wonder what is happening to the lowland sleeper ....

It's currently sat at Euston P1, so it should run, possibly a bit later than intended though.

 

[GW43125]

Whenever asked on Twitter recently, CS quote "April 2018".

Is that first or last, ie if I went in early June would it be a high or low chance of having one?

(Probably also too early to call)

 

[Scotrail84]

Is that first or last, ie if I went in early June would it be a high or low chance of having one?



(Probably also too early to call)

The new sets will be lowlander only for first few months in case of any teething problems. That way they end up at either polmadie or Wembley each night for repairs.

 

[GW43125]

The new sets will be lowlander only for first few months in case of any teething problems. That way they end up at either polmadie or Wembley each night for repairs.

Thanks. So June highlander should be mk2/3 then.

 

[Scotrail84]

Thanks. So June highlander should be mk2/3 then.

Potentially

 

[GW43125]

I suppose we'll have to wait and see.

Meanwhile the highlander seems to have lost more time enroute.

 

[CosherB]

Thanks. So June highlander should be mk2/3 then.

What else would it be?!

 

[GW43125]

What else would it be?!

Mk.5 as we've just discussed...

 

[Devonman2014]

I suppose we'll have to wait and see.

Meanwhile the highlander seems to have lost more time enroute.

Currently sat on 1S25 and we are missing stops (Pitlochry for one) and now we are stopped at Dalwhinnie waiting 1E13 Inverness to Kings Cross to pass us.

Mark

 

[87015]

ECS off the Glasgow in trouble on Camden Bank this morning, believe the 87 suffering the embarrassment of being rescued by a 92 for another go.

 

[43096]

Mk.5 as we've just discussed...

Given that no vehicles have been delivered so far, what's the chances of that given the need for testing, training and not forgetting coupler conversion of the locos? 0% I would say!

 

[BRX]

Given that no vehicles have been delivered so far, what's the chances of that given the need for testing, training and not forgetting coupler conversion of the locos? 0% I would say!

It doesn't seem unreasonable to wonder whether these things could be completed within 14 months.

 

[Crossover]

Looks like the Down Lowlander ran through to schedule last night

 

[TimboM]

Looks like the Down Lowlander ran through to schedule last night

Yes - went from Euston on time in the end. Only sleeper affected was the Down Highlander ultimately, which ended up being c.1-1.5 hours late at its various destinations (and starting from Watford Jnc of course).

 

[Scotrail84]

From 21st May the FT William sleeper will have 4 sleeper coaches, in turn reducing the Aberdeen down to 2 sleeper coaches. This will be until October.

 

[Marklund]

I know this is a rail forum, and many will think I am mad... I can get the sleeper for free, and I go to Scotland frequently, yet I will always fly in preference to using the sleeper.

Agree with you. When I have to go North to visit family, I'd rather get a day train, or if tight for time, fly.
The LCCs have changed the market completely.

 

[GW43125]

From 21st May the FT William sleeper will have 4 sleeper coaches, in turn reducing the Aberdeen down to 2 sleeper coaches. This will be until October.

Why's that? Demand?

 

[najaB]

Why's that? Demand?

Yup. Lots of people want to go to the West Highlands for summer breaks.

 

[GW43125]

Yup. Lots of people want to go to the West Highlands for summer breaks.

Fair enough.

 

[BRX]

It's great to see the Fort William sleeper doing a healthy trade. I rank it as the UK's best rail journey and more people should get to enjoy it.

 

[BRX]

Also I've just realised I'm booked on it northbound on the 21st may!

 

[Scotrail84]

Also I've just realised I'm booked on it northbound on the 21st may!

Coaches will be lettered W, X, Y and Z

 

[Scotrail84]

Why's that? Demand?

Yes, this will only run like this until the 1st of October though.